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Singer and actress Zendaya has said that her name is a spin on the word "Tendai," which means "to give thanks" in the Shona language, which is spoken in Zimbabwe.Singer and actress Zendaya has said that her name is a spin on the word "Tendai," which means "to give thanks" in the Shona language, which is spoken in Zimbabwe.Photo: David Becker, Getty Images
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The late Robin Williams named his daughter Zelda after the title character in Nintendo's "Legend of Zelda" series.The late Robin Williams named his daughter Zelda after the title character in Nintendo's "Legend of Zelda" series.
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Steph Curry, born Wardell Stephen Curry II, was named after his father, Wardell Stephen Curry.Steph Curry, born Wardell Stephen Curry II, was named after his father, Wardell Stephen Curry.Photo: Mason Trinca / Special To The Chronicle
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Mahershala Ali was born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore. His mother was an ordained minister, and his first name, which means "Hurry to the spoils," is from the Book of Isaiah. When he converted to Islam, he changed his surname to "Ali." He began shortening his first name after he began his acting career. lessMahershala Ali was born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore. His mother was an ordained minister, and his first name, which means "Hurry to the spoils," is from the Book of Isaiah. When he converted to Islam, he ... morePhoto: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle
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Serena Williams holds her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanion Jr., named after her husband, Alexis Ohanion. Baby Alexis's initials, A.O., also represent the Australian Open, which Serena won while pregnant with her. lessSerena Williams holds her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanion Jr., named after her husband, Alexis Ohanion. Baby Alexis's initials, A.O., also represent the Australian Open, which Serena won while pregnant with ... morePhoto: Associated Press
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Sen. Kamala Harris's name comes from the Sanskrit word for 'lotus flower.' Her mother was from India.Sen. Kamala Harris's name comes from the Sanskrit word for 'lotus flower.' Her mother was from India.Photo: Alex Brandon / Associated Press
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Karl the Fog's name blew up with the launch of the popular Twitter account; its anonymous creator said he or she got the idea from the 2003 movie "Big Fish." In the movie, Karl was the name of a giant everyone feared being killed or eaten by, but really, he wasn't dangerous, just lonely. lessKarl the Fog's name blew up with the launch of the popular Twitter account; its anonymous creator said he or she got the idea from the 2003 movie "Big Fish." In the movie, Karl was the name of a giant everyone ... morePhoto: Frederic Larson / The Chronicle 2008
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Lisa Brennan-Jobs, the daughter of Steve Jobs of Apple, wrote in her memoir, "My parents took me out into a field, laid me on a blanket, and looked through the pages of a baby-name book. He wanted to name me Claire. They went through several names but couldn’t agree. They didn’t want something derivative, a shorter version of a longer name." Her mother finally suggested Lisa, and he said, "Yes, that one." lessLisa Brennan-Jobs, the daughter of Steve Jobs of Apple, wrote in her memoir, "My parents took me out into a field, laid me on a blanket, and looked through the pages of a baby-name book. He wanted to name me ... morePhoto: FRANCES F. DENNY, NYT
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Actor and rapper Daveed Diggs has said of his name, "David' means beloved in Hebrew. They spelled it with two E's because my dad liked the look of it." His mother is Jewish.Actor and rapper Daveed Diggs has said of his name, "David' means beloved in Hebrew. They spelled it with two E's because my dad liked the look of it." His mother is Jewish.Photo: Leah Millis / The Chronicle
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Whoopi Goldberg has said that her stage name originated with a fart joke. "When you're performing on stage, you never really have time to go into the bathroom and close the door. So if you get a little gassy, you've got to let it go. So people used to say to me, 'You're like a whoopee cushion.' And that's where the name came from," she told the New York Times. lessWhoopi Goldberg has said that her stage name originated with a fart joke. "When you're performing on stage, you never really have time to go into the bathroom and close the door. So if you get a little gassy, ... more
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Ayesha and Steph Curry have said they picked the name "Canon" for their third child, Canon W. Jack Curry, because it just sounded right.
Photo: Screengrab Via InstagramAyesha and Steph Curry have said they picked the name "Canon" for their third child, Canon W. Jack Curry, because it just sounded right.
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MC Hammer, born Stanley K. Burrell, left, got his name while working for the Oakland A's as a kid. Owner Charlie O. Finley, right, thought he looked like Hank "The Hammer" Aaron. Reggie Jackson has also taken credit for the nickname. lessMC Hammer, born Stanley K. Burrell, left, got his name while working for the Oakland A's as a kid. Owner Charlie O. Finley, right, thought he looked like Hank "The Hammer" Aaron. Reggie Jackson has also taken ... morePhoto: Associated Press
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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was the youngest of six in her Italian family, and her mother was named Annunciata M. D'Alesandro — or "Nancy" for short.House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was the youngest of six in her Italian family, and her mother was named Annunciata M. D'Alesandro — or "Nancy" for short.Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images
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Photo: David Becker, Getty Images
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Singer and actress Zendaya has said that her name is a spin on the word "Tendai," which means "to give thanks" in the Shona language, which is spoken in Zimbabwe.
Singer and actress Zendaya has said that her name is a spin on the word "Tendai," which means "to give thanks" in the Shona language, which is spoken in Zimbabwe.
Photo: David Becker, Getty Images
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